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Introduction Course for experienced dogs/handlers (For anyone wanting to join the assistance dog or therapy dog program)

  • 2 Aug 2025
  • 6:00 PM
  • 10 Aug 2025
  • 6:30 PM
  • Zoom
  • 4

Registration

  • ** No refunds will be issued (except in the event of death of the client or dog) within 14 days of the start of the program**
Register

For this course the dog MUST be 7 months old or older AND: 

  • Be able to sit and lie down on hand signal/audible cue (not treat lured), be able to wait for food and wait in place and leave on cue AND 
  • The handler MUST only have trained their dog using positive, welfare friendly techniques NOT 'balanced training' (i.e. no slip leads, prong or chain collars, lead yanks etc) AND 
  • The dog MUST NOT show any undesirable behaviours including: jumping up, lunging or excessively pulling on lead, barking, picking up stuff (stones, food etc) items off the floor, jump at work surfaces OR
  • MUST NOT be anxious. 

This course must be completed for anyone wanting to join the assistance dog program. We've capped this course at just 4 dogs please book if you're actively considering joining the assistance dog program or therapy dog program upon completing the introductory course. 

Before booking, you must read & ensure you understand the eligibility and details outlined on the relevant program page by clicking the relevant link below: 

Assistance dog program for disabled children, young people and young adults

Therapy dog program for professionals working with disabled young people


Exclusion criteria – if any of the following apply you’re not eligible:

  • Your dog is brachycephalic (flat nosed to an extent which could impact on dogs breathing at high exercise).
  • Anyone in your household has any criminal conviction (including spent conviction) against children or animals.
  • You have owned a dog in the last 3 years which you’ve rehomed except due to major aggression which risked your or house hold members health and safety.
  • You or your partner or other member of your household work as a dog trainer, assistance dog trainer or are training or education to be a dog or animal trainer.

What dog training skills will we cover?

We will assessing your dogs foundation skills and introducing a variety of exercises to strengthen your dogs core 

You might already know how to do some or all of the behaviours, that's ok! We might do things differently to how you've trained before (e.g. we rarely use treat luring and are concept based positive trainers which maybe different to other trainers you've met before and the way we approach prospective assistance dog training is very different to how I'd train a pet dog). 

What's included in this program?

·        4 x 30 minute small group (max 3 families) zoom classes 50% practical, 50% theory & tour through resources.

·        Spond group.

·        Self guided training zone activities to help boost the practical skills covered.

Zoom session dates & times (must attend all 4)

  • 6pm - 6.30pm Saturday 2nd August
  • 6pm - 6.30pm Sunday 3rd August
  • 6pm - 6.30pm Saturday 9th August
  • 6pm - 6.30pm Sunday 10th August


The zooms are all 30minutes long. 

For this program, as we are assessing for a short cut into bronze the dog must be on screen for the duration of all 4 classes. Passing the experienced introductory course means you can apply to sit your bronze assessment once a member on the assistance dog program rather than needing a minimum of 5 hours training which is the standard requirement. If you're not comfortable for your dog to be on screen, please join the beginners introductory course. 


If you sign up for this program we will send you some sign up paperwork and preparation information including the zoom link around 2 weeks before the starting date. 

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All rights Reserved.

Pawsitive Squad is a registered community interest company (non profit organisation) number 1145 1119 (England and Wales)

enquiries@pawsitivesquad.co.uk




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